May Is Historic Preservation Month
Ottumwa Mayor Dale Uehling has signed a proclamation for "Preservation Month" to be held during the month of May in the City of Ottumwa. The May observation coincides with the National Historic Preservation Month sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Preservation Month is an annual, nationwide celebration to spotlight grassroots preservation efforts in America. "This Place Matters" is the theme for the 2008 observance, emphasizing the significance of local landmarks as tangible aspects of our local heritage. Historic Preservation Week highlights the role historic preservation plays as a successful tool for revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride and maintaining community character.
As part of Preservation Month, the Ottumwa Historic Preservation Commission and the Wapello County Historical Society are hosting a special presentation detailing the history of the Burlington Depot building, its role in the community and the present effort to enroll the building on the National Register of Historic Places. The old Burlington Depot building presently serves as the Amtrak Greyhound bus depot is the home of the Wapello County Historical Museum. The public is invited to attend and learn more. The presentation is Wednesday, May 14th at 5:00 PM at the Wapello County Historical Museum, in the Burlington Depot at 210 West Main Street.
Residents interested in learning more about many of Ottumwa’s unique historic buildings and districts are encouraged to view the Ottumwa Historic Preservation Commissions electronic historic walking tour; available by clicking on the Preservation Month link on the City of Ottumwa’s home page at www.cityofottumwa.org. In addition, GOTV Channel 6, the City’s Government Access cable channel will be showing different Ottumwa history trivia questions throughout the month of May.
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